Module 3: Biological Diversity Flashcards
What is an adaptation?
Characteristics that increase the survival and reproductive chances of an organism
What are structural adaptations?
Anatomical or morphological features
What are some examples of structural adaptations?
Overall body shape
Large ears
Sunken stomata
Shells
What are behavioural adaptations?
Actions that an organism takes to improve survival
What are some examples of behavioural adaptations?
Herding
Socialisation
Seeking shade or shelter
Migration
What are physiological adaptation?
Inner body functions such as venom and shivering
What are some examples of physiological?
Female mammals producing milk
When and who though of the theory of evolution?
Charles Darwin in 1859
What are the principles of natural selection?
Variation, struggle for survival, survival of the fittest and reproduce and pass on characteristics
What is speciation?
The formation of a new and distinct species in evolution
What are species?
A group of organisms of similar appearance within a population that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring
What is convergent evolution?
The process whereby distantly related organisms independently evolve similar traits to adapt to similar necessities
What is a pentadactyl structure?
The structure of vertebrate forelimbs
What are homolgous structures?
Similar physical features in organisms that share a common ancestor, but the features serve completely different functions
What is divergent evolution?
The process by which different organisms having common ancestors develop different traits to adapt to varying environmental conditions and needs
